Google Search

Arsenal set to beat Tottenham in DESPERATE race to sign £13.8m forward

Arsenal are close to completing a surprise deal to sign Russian international forward Alexander Kokorin ahead of local rivals Tottenham according to the Metro.

The 24-year-old is said to have a £13.8m release clause written into his Dynamo Moscow contract and could offer Arsene Wenger an alternative to long-term striker target Karim Benzema.

Kokorin netted at the 2014 World Cup finals and has proven a consistent goal-scorer in recent seasons and would help to boost Arsene Wenger’s options in the final third.

There have been question marks about Olivier Giroud’s goal-scoring abilities, the French international having scored 59 goals in 138 appearances for Arsenal since joining the North London club from Montpellier in 2012, and whilst Kokorin isn’t a prolific goal-scorer he could help keep the 28-year-old Gunners star on his toes.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino would also do well to bring in a fresh striking option with the White Hart Lane side depending far too much on young England international Harry Kane.

Pochettino saw Emmanuel Adebayor, Erik Lamela and the now sold forward Roberto Soldado, all fail to offer Kane much in the way of support over the past year, Kokorin could be the ideal man for the job.